How to Navigate Professional Burnout
Emploii Group is excited to celebrate National Wellness Month! August presents the perfect opportunity to check in on your mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.
The pandemic prompted many to feel isolated and overloaded, especially in their professional lives. Burnout can happen at any stage of your professional career – from job candidacy all the way to top-level management. Understanding the signs of burnout can help you identify the best ways to navigate it.
What is Professional Burnout?
If you are experiencing professional stress or approaching burnout, you are not alone. 52% of respondents to an Indeed survey reported burnout in 2021. This statistic was notably higher than pre-coronavirus figures. Factors like work-life balance, pandemic fatigue, and financial pressure can greatly exacerbate existing stressors.
Burnout should not be ignored, as it can have serious impacts on your health. High blood pressure, insomnia, and fatigue can result from unresolved burnout.
How Can I Combat Burnout?
Taking action can be challenging, especially if you work in a predominantly virtual environment. These are a few strategies that can help to navigate burnout:
• Take breaks as possible: Taking short breaks throughout the day helps alleviate monotony. When working from home, it can sometimes be difficult to create a separation between your personal and professional lives. Ensure that you are taking given breaks throughout the day to recuperate and take care of yourself.
• Communicate your feelings: Opening up to a trusted friend, colleague, or family member about your feelings can offer opportunities for support and encouragement. Speaking to a therapist is also particularly beneficial. Therapy allows constructive and confidential discussions with an unbiased party.
• Exercise: Exercise is an important tactic to combat stress. There are many different methods, and even going for a short walk has countless benefits. Many forms of exercise allow you to connect with nature and vary your environment.
• Meditation: Meditation provides an opportunity to reduce stress and manage your emotions. Platforms like the Calm app offer accessible guided meditations to promote relaxation and reflection.
• Establish boundaries: While it can be tempting to check your work email at all hours of the night, establishing boundaries will create an important divide between your personal and professional lives. Platforms like Slack allow you to set your status as “away” after business hours.
It is important to note, however, that factors outside of your professional life can contribute to burnout. Evaluating the entire picture can allow you to fully heal.
Flexibility is essential during these challenging times. Addressing professional stress is vital for productivity and happiness in the workplace. Company leadership should open dialogue about employee wellbeing and promote adaptability as possible. If you are currently approaching or experiencing burnout, know that you are not alone.
